The BEST crockpot meal for fall!

pumpkin

🥗Healthier: butternut squash

💰Cheaper: sweet potatoes

butternut squash and sweet potatoes are often more affordable and readily available.

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned chickpeas

lentils are lower in calories and can be cooked quickly.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

canola oil is more budget-friendly and has a neutral flavor.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable stock

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

homemade stock can be made from scraps, reducing waste.

Add 29 oz of pure pumpkin to the crock pot.

Place 1 lb of cooked ground beef on the side of the pumpkin.

Add 1 diced green bell pepper next to the ground beef.

Pour in a 15 oz can of diced tomatoes.

Add 1 can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed) next to the tomatoes.

Add 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed).

Add 1 diced zucchini next to the ground beef and black beans.

Add the whole packet of chili seasoning (30% less sodium).

Sprinkle onion salt to taste.

Add freshly grated pepper to taste.

Add 3 tbsp of brown sugar (optional).

Pour in 1 cup of water.

Mix all ingredients together with a spatula.

Cover the crock pot with the lid and set to high.

Cook for 2 to 3 hours on high or 4 to 6 hours on low.

After cooking, mix the chili again before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: